By: Comrade Kelechi Iwuchukwu
When Dr. Ikedi Ohakim assumed office as Governor of Imo State in 2007, he did not simply come to administer; he came with a vision to redefine governance. His mission was bigger than roads, buildings, or fleeting political triumphs. It was about restoring dignity, instilling order, and reshaping how a people engage with their environment and one another.
At the centre of that mission was the now-iconic Clean and Green Initiative—a programme that has endured as one of the most transformative policies in Imo’s history and a model of purposeful leadership that still resonates today.
Owerri, once celebrated as the “Eastern Heartland,” had fallen into decay. Streets were clogged with filth, congestion was unchecked, and years of neglect had dimmed its beauty. Ohakim looked beyond the rot—he saw a possibility for rebirth.
Through Clean and Green, he launched what many would later describe as an environmental renaissance. His target was bold: to restore Owerri’s beauty, make Imo the cleanest state in Nigeria, elevate it as the cleanest in West Africa, and ultimately position the state as a tourism-driven hub on the global stage.
The brilliance of Clean and Green lay not only in its vision but in its pragmatic execution:
Institutional Backbone: The establishment of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) gave the programme the legal and operational muscle it needed.
Sanitation as Civic Duty: The monthly sanitation exercise was revived and redefined as a shared civic obligation.
Urban Renewal: Roundabouts bloomed into gardens, boulevards sparkled with new life, and Owerri once again looked like a capital city.
Community Ownership: Youths, schools, markets, and town unions were mobilized, transforming Clean and Green into a people’s movement.
Enforcement & Compliance: Sanctions and strict monitoring ensured that cleanliness became a culture, not an option.
Waste-to-Wealth Drive: Plans for recycling and modern waste management opened doors for job creation and revenue generation.
Clean and Green was never just about the environment. It was about cultural reorientation—a revival of civic pride, discipline, and responsibility.
Ohakim’s initiative pursued clear, people-centered goals:
- Safeguard public health by curbing sanitation-related diseases.
- Position Owerri as a tourism-friendly destination in West Africa.
- Create employment opportunities in waste management, horticulture, and landscaping.
- Cultivate discipline and civic pride among Ndi Imo.
- Offer a model of governance that other Nigerian states could emulate.
It was governance reimagined—not as a political ritual but as lifestyle transformation.
The results were visible and swift. Owerri emerged as one of Nigeria’s cleanest capitals. Visitors admired the greening of roundabouts, the blossoming flowers, and the sense of order that replaced years of chaos.
Yet the true legacy was deeper. Ohakim demonstrated that leadership could shape culture, that governance was not only about infrastructure but about quality of life and global positioning.
Although political turbulence truncated his broader dream of making Imo West Africa’s cleanest state, the foundation he laid remains a benchmark of visionary leadership.
As Imo inches toward a decisive political season in 2028, the question remains: Who has the proven vision, courage, and depth to lead Imo into a future of pride, stability, and international relevance?
He is no novice, but a tested and trusted leader whose Clean and Green initiative remains unmatched. His passion for Imo has not waned, and his foresight in marrying governance with environmental sustainability, tourism, and economic empowerment distinguishes him in today’s political arena.
For Ndi Imo, 2028 is not just another election year—it is a turning point for survival, progress, and pride. And to achieve this, the state must return to a leader who understands the essence of governance.
Dr. Ikedi Ohakim—visionary, prepared, and proven. The future begins with him.
✍️ Comrade Kelechi IWUCHUKWU writes from Owerri
